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5 Detroit Lions who must step up in Week 2 vs. the Commanders

By Brad Berreman

Sep 11, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) rolls out of the pocket against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) rolls out of the pocket against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY Sports /

4. OG Logan Stenberg

Stenberg made his first NFL start against the Eagles, at right guard with Halapoulivaati Vaitai (back) on IR and Tommy Kraemer (back) out and then placed on IR this week. He had some easily expected struggles, earning a 0.0 grade from Pro Football Focus in pass protection (let’s call that a Blutarsky, look it up if you’re under….40?).

One way or another, with left guard Jonah Jackson looking iffy for Sunday due to a finger injury, Stenberg will start against the Commanders. It’ll either be at right guard again, or over at left guard–where he looked pretty good during the preseason. Either way, Washington defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne will be a formidable challenge for the Lions’ interior line. Stenberg may be the only one of that guard-center-guard trio in place for the Lions on Sunday who played any offensive snaps in Week 1, or any offensive snaps in the spot he’ll occupy.

3. TE T.J. Hockenson

Hockenson had a great-looking matchup in Week 1 against the Eagles, as a top-notch fantasy start and easy bet to reach his overs in catches and yards. He finished with four catches for 38 yards.

As he tries to prove he’s worthy of a contract the tight end market suggests he’s worth, Hockenson can’t have too many duds like the season opener. Washington allowed the ninth-most receiving yards to tight ends last season, so there’s a nice opportunity for a rebound this week.

Hockenson can impact a game beyond the stat sheet, demanding attention from the defense and/or drawing penalties from overmatched defenders. But he has to do more than he did in Week 1 on Sunday, and an injury-riddled Lions’ offensive line lines him to be a prominent blitz/pressure-beating target for Jared Goff.

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